On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, a nationwide 24-hour strike will take place following a unanimous decision by the GSEE administration. The strike causes significant disruptions to services, public transportation, and traffic in Athens and throughout Greece. The nationwide strike of October 1, 2025 is expected to see massive participation from various sectors and organizations. The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) has declared the strike with the aim of demanding improvements in working conditions and workers’ rights. At the same time, the Supreme Administration of Public Servants’ Unions (ADEDY) has also declared a 24-hour strike for October 1, 2025, meaning that all public services in the country will be affected.
Read: Strike: All ships docked on October 1 – What the PNO demands
Strike: participation of organizations and sectors
Expected participation from:
- Public servants in ministries, regions and municipalities
- Educators at all levels
- Healthcare and hospital workers
- Bank employees
- Public utility workers
- Public transportation workers
Impact on public transportation
Public transportation in Athens and the rest of Greece will be seriously affected by the strike. Significant disruptions are expected to:
- Athens Metro
The metro is expected to have limited routes or completely cease operations during the 24-hour strike. Passengers will need to seek alternative transportation.
- Buses and trolleys
Urban buses and trolleys in Athens and other major cities will have minimal or no routes.
- Intercity KTEL buses
KTEL is expected to participate in the strike, resulting in route cancellations.
- Railway transport
OSE and suburban trains will also be affected by the strike.
PNO announcement and ferry services
The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) is expected to participate in the nationwide strike, as it has done in previous similar mobilizations. Although no specific PNO announcement was found for today September 19, the participation of seafarers in nationwide strikes is common practice.
PNO participation means:
- Suspension of ferry routes to and from the islands
- Ships remaining in ports
- Impact on passenger and freight transport
- Problems in island supply
Traffic regulations in Athens
The capital is expected to face significant traffic disruptions due to the strike and related rallies and marches that will take place. Based on previous experience from similar mobilizations, the following are expected:
Closed roads
- Syntagma Square area and around Parliament
- Vasilissis Sofias Avenue
- Panepistimiou Street
- University and Polytechnic area
- Streets around the Propylaea where demonstrators usually gather
Alternative routes
Drivers will need to seek alternative routes through:
- Kifisias Avenue
- Alexandras Avenue
- Inner ring road and peripheral roads
Impact on services and operations
Public services
All ministries, regions, municipalities and public services will remain closed. Citizens will not be able to conduct business that requires visiting public services.
Education
Schools and universities will remain closed due to educators’ participation in the strike.
Health
Public hospitals will operate with the minimum necessary staff for emergency cases.
Banks
All banks will remain closed to the public.
Strike goals and demands
The nationwide strike is organized with the aim of demanding:
- Improvement of wages and working conditions
- Strengthening of labor rights
- Resistance to austerity policies
- Protection of the welfare state
- Improving workers’ quality of life
Advice for citizens
Citizens are advised to:
- Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary
- Use private transportation or walk
- Postpone visits to public services
- Stay informed about traffic conditions before traveling
- Show understanding towards strikers and their demands
It should be noted that the 24-hour nationwide strike of October 1, 2025 represents a significant mobilization of workers in the country. Developments will depend on the government’s response to union demands and negotiations that will follow the strike. The strike’s success will be judged by worker participation and its impact on public debate around labor rights and social policies.
